Seeking help for bipolar disorder

It's important to seek help to manage bipolar disorder. There are effective treatments and professionals who can help, and you can feel better. With the right treatment, the vast majority of people with bipolar disorder are able to live productive lives.

Seeking help for bipolar disorder

It's important to seek help to manage bipolar disorder. There are effective treatments and professionals who can help, and you can feel better. With the right treatment, the vast majority of people with bipolar disorder are able to live productive lives.

Some people may have suicidal thoughts when they are very worried and things are too hard and painful. If you feel that life is not worth living, it's really important to seek immediate help. With help, you can overcome these thoughts and stay safe.

Help is available

If your life is in danger call emergency services:

Emergency Australia - 000

Emergency New Zealand - 111

You are not alone. There is always someone to hear your pain and problems, and to help you keep safe.

Wellbeing groups for people with bipolar disorder

REACH program

The REACH Program is a 9-week psychoeducational wellbeing group. It helps participants with depression or bipolar disorder manage their illness and stay well. The program is based on the principles of:

responsibility

education

acceptance

connection

hope.

Topics include:

fostering strengths

dealing with loss and grief

identifying early warning signs and triggers

wellbeing strategies

nurturing support networks

creating a unique wellbeing plan.

Eligibility criteria for participants. Participants must be:

over 18 years old

diagnosed with depression or bipolar disorder, for a minimum of one year

Optimism apps

The Optimism mental health apps are designed to increase your understanding of all the things that affect your mental health. They help you detect patterns in your health and develop strategies to manage depression, bipolar disorder and other mental health conditions.

MyMoodTracker

This app helps you track your moods and emotions, and everything else that can affect how you feel. It will help you understand what causes your emotions to change, such as sleep,
exercise, medication and stress.

iMoodJournal

MyCompass

This personalised self-help program for phone, computer or tablet, was developed by the Black Dog Institute. MyCompass helps you learn new ways to deal with
thoughts, feelings and behaviours that cause your trouble.

Black Dog Institute Bipolar Disorders Clinic

Our bipolar disorders clinic provides a consultancy service to health professionals (e.g. psychiatrists, general practitioners, psychologists) who are managing a patient with bipolar disorder and require a review of the diagnosis, a comprehensive review of the case and/or directions for better management of the patient.

Our detailed assessment will give a refined diagnosis, provide management suggestions (concerning medications and psychological treatment), and provide advice to help the patient return to a productive lifestyle.

The clinic does not take over patient management, this remains with the referring doctor. Following consultation, clinic specialists will write to the referring doctor outlining suggested management options.